Few drinks embody happiness in a mug like hot chocolate. There are countless ways to make it, from instant packs of cocoa powder to double-boiler setups used to carefully melt down chocolate bars or chips. While there’s something to be said for the convenience of premade mixes, if you’re truly looking to soak in the decadence of drinking melted chocolate, opt for a from-scratch recipe that uses both cocoa powder and semisweet chocolate for added body and flavor. This yields a true hot chocolate, rather than simply hot cocoa.
Prep time – 5 min.
Cook Time – 5 min.
Total Time – 12 min.
Serving Size – 4
INGREDIENTS:
4 cups whole milk
4 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
4 tablespoons fine granulated sugar
1/8 teaspoon salt
3 ounces semisweet or bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped
¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
6 ounces rum
1 cup heavy cream
DIRECTIONS:
Heat milk in thick-bottomed saucepan over low heat, stirring continuously. When warm, whisk in cocoa powder, 3 tablespoons sugar, salt and chopped chocolate. Continue to whisk vigorously until all ingredients are fully melted and incorporated. Remove from heat and whisk in 4 ounces rum.
In separate mixing bowl, add heavy cream, vanilla extract, 1 tablespoon sugar and 2 ounces rum. Whisk vigorously for 2–4 minutes, until thick enough to firmly coat spoon but before solid peaks begin to form.
To serve, add chocolate mixture to heat-proof mug, leaving room for cream. Float 2 ounces of cream atop the drink by gently pouring it over the back of a spoon.
As posted on WINEMAG.COM.